A software companion capable of dialogue

We discuss the conditions for the integration of a software companion into a distance training system. The study context is that of Croisieres, a device to learn French. The main questions raised when integrating a software companion into such a device can be answered by defining the various roles that the companion plays for the learner, by defining a written dialogue that can be established between companion and learner, and by defining the companion´s capacities for explanation.